How to Keep Safe

Hounds Off is all about ordinary people standing up and saying that they are not prepared to accept hunting on their land or property.

Some folk will feel passionately about this issue but worry that taking the actions we suggest could cause them difficulty and conflict. It’s right to be cautious and to ask questions about safety to both people and property.

Hounds Off takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying of any sort – from any side of the argument.

The ultimate goal is that individuals, their neighbours and large sections of our communities will stand together and strengthen the Hunting Ban by forbidding bloodsports on their land. As this movement, our movement, grows there will be increasing safety in numbers.

Hounds Off cannot guarantee a hassle-free existence for those of us who decide to stand up and be counted, but we can answer some legitimate questions that you might be asking while you’re considering your position.

Q: “The idea of giving details of where I live to the local hunt makes me nervous. Why should I overcome these nerves and do it anyway?”

A: This is understandable. But remember, the smallest pocket of land such as one garden can be enough to scupper a hunt single-handed. Many pockets together, linked across a landscape, will protect more and more wildlife.

Hounds Off advises that everybody reinforces their Warning Off Letter or Email by sending a copy to their MP as well This means that your elected member already has knowledge of your action. You can easily inform the police too. Make sure that an official record is made.

Don’t be shy of involving the police or your MP.

Getting your neighbours on board will give you strength in numbers too.

Q: “What do I do if I feel intimidated?”

A: You do not have to tolerate bullying or intimidation in any form. If you believe that someone is targeting you then Hounds Off recommends that you take the following action:

If you feel in immediate danger and at risk of harm do not hesitate to call 999.

Otherwise:

Inform the police either in person or in writing about what is happening.

Make a formal complaint to the hunt that you have banned. Once again, direct your letter / email to the Secretary.

Inform your MP of your situation.

You may wish to contact the news desk or write a letter to your local paper (press).

Keep electronic or hard copies of all correspondence.

Basically the more people who know about it the better. No one should want to be associated with inappropriate behaviour and the bad publicity that may come with it.

Thank you so much for the wonderful support and advice you provide through Hounds Off. We repeatedly suffer from the arrogant and bullying behaviour of our local hunt in Kent called the Ashford Valley Hunt. We plan to use all available methods to put an end to this harassment. JC, Kent

We warned off our local hunt simultaneously with family and friends. They have steered clear since then.JH, Dorset

When the hunters killed a fox behind our gardens I contacted Hounds Off and they helped us to stop this happening here again. CR, Kent

With Hounds Off I’ve protected my animals from further attacks by hunting dogs.RS, Worcestershire

Hounds Off is a free online resource designed to help homeowners, landowners and tenants to protect their properties, livestock and pets from hunt trespass. Hounds Off supports the Hunting Act 2004, which prohibits the hunting of wild mammals with dogs.

When the hunters killed a fox behind our gardens I contacted Hounds Off and they helped us to stop this happening here again. CR, Kent